Gymnastics a family affair for California native

Junior Kiah Banfield averages 9.538 on the vault and 9.579 in
the floor exercise for the Rutgers gymnastics team.

When a spectator arrives at a Rutgers gymnastics meet, he or she
sees a crowd filled with families. At its core, gymnastics is truly
a family sport.

For junior Kiah Banfield, that holds true.

As a child, Banfield started gymnastics because she had to do
everything her sister did. Beyond her naturally energetic nature
that caused her to fly all over the jungle gym in elementary
school, Banfield's desire to pursue gymnastics began to follow in
her older sister's footsteps.

"I have a sister who is four years older than I am and she was
into gymnastics," Banfield said. "I just wanted to do everything
she did."

Banfield's ceaseless energy drew her to both gymnastics and
soccer at a young age. When the decision came between the two
sports, Banfield chose gymnastics, recognizing that it was her true
passion.

"The challenge of learning new skills is really rewarding,"
Banfield said. "Obviously you learn skills in soccer, but it just
wasn't the same."

When deciding on college, the Californian recognized that the
level of competition on the West Coast might be too lofty and set
her sights on a well-rounded environment.

"Coming from California a lot of the west coast schools are
really competitive," Banfield said. "I looked for a school that has
good academics as well as gymnastics because I knew gymnastics
isn't going to lead to a career."

When she began her career, Banfield was unsure of how she would
perform at a higher level. Her expectations for herself were hardly
high, but not only has she surpassed her expectations, she looks to
continue to get better.

"I didn't know what to expect. I really didn't think I'd be
ready for college gymnastics," Banfield said. "I'm better than I
thought I'd be, but now that I'm here I want to just keep getting
better."

Banfield took her skills to the next level this season, proving
to be a clutch performer in vault and floor exercises. Her season
average of 9.538 in vault and 9.579 in floor exercises are both
marks that draw the praise of head coach Chrystal
Chollet-Norton.

"Kiah has been great this year," Chollet-Norton said. "She has
been consistently outstanding on vault and floor."

Unlike last year when the team suffered from an inordinate
amount of injuries, there is now an opportunity for the team to
perform well and potentially go to nationals. Banfield recognizes
that last season was unlucky but can be a learning experience.

"I feel like the injuries we had last year were freak
accidents," Banfield said. "This year we can get those high scores
we need. Nationals are in Texas this year and it would be great to
have a meet down there."

While at the moment her focus is firmly on gymnastics, Banfield
recognizes that after college, her gymnastics career will be over.
However, her endless energy will not allow her to turn to a
sedentary lifestyle.

"After school, I'm going to pick up another sport," Banfield
said. "Maybe tennis or beach volleyball. I might even do running
because my dad runs marathons."

Even in her future choices for athletic endeavors, Banfield
continues to think of family.